Table of Contents
Introduction: A New Benchmark Set
The pursuit of perfection is a driving force in the Speedrunning Community, and the release of a new World Record for Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels (SMB2-J) All Stages is a testament to that. The time of 36:49 isn't just a number; it represents countless hours of practice, meticulous route planning, and an intimate understanding of the game's mechanics. This run signifies a significant leap forward, proving that even in a game as studied as SMB2-J, there's always room for innovation and pushing the limits. The title itself, "(36:49) SMB2-J All Stages Speedrun *World Record*", directly signals to players that they are about to witness peak performance in a highly competitive category. This isn't about exploring lore or discovering new builds; it's about raw, optimized gameplay at its finest.The Lost Levels Challenge: Why SMB2-J is Different
Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels is a different beast compared to its Western counterpart. Released initially as "Super Mario Bros. 2" in Japan, it was deemed too difficult for Western audiences and was later reimagined as *The Lost Levels*. This game features:- Increased Difficulty: Enemies are more aggressive, levels are more complex, and fewer power-ups are readily available.
- New Mechanics: The introduction of poisonous mushrooms that shrink Mario, and counter-rotating wind gusts that affect jumps, add layers of challenge.
- Strict Level Design: Unlike the original SMB, SMB2-J demands precision in platforming and strategic use of items.
The Record-Breaking Run: A Masterclass in Execution
This particular World Record run, at 36 minutes and 49 seconds, showcases a perfect storm of strategy, execution, and perhaps a touch of favorable RNG (Random Number Generation). While the core strategies for SMB2-J speedruns are well-established, breaking the 37-minute barrier implies a level of optimization that goes beyond the ordinary.The sheer precision required for this run means that every frame counts. A slight hesitation or miscalculation could mean the difference between a new record and a failed attempt.The run was performed on original FDS (Family Computer Disk System) hardware, a detail that speedrunners often emphasize for authenticity. While loading times are typically removed for consistency across platforms in official rankings, the choice of original hardware speaks to the purist dedication within the community.
Key Strategies and Skips
SMB2-J speedruns often rely on advanced techniques and specific routes to shave off precious seconds. Some common strategies include:- Precise Jumps and Movement: Mastering Mario's momentum and jump arcs is crucial. Techniques like precise running jumps and wall jumps (where applicable) are essential.
- Power-Up Management: Knowing when to grab a Super Mushroom for speed or a Fire Flower for enemy clearing, and how to utilize them efficiently, is key. However, in All Stages runs, the focus is usually on raw speed and avoiding unnecessary power-ups that might slow down item collection.
- Enemy Manipulation: Understanding enemy patterns and AI to avoid or dispatch them quickly is vital. Some runs might involve specific positioning to bait enemies into missing attacks.
- Level-Specific Skips and Exploits: While this record is likely Glitchless or utilizes only minor, established GameBreakers accepted within the community, there are often sequence breaks or optimizations discovered over time. For SMB2-J, these might involve specific ways to clear obstacles or navigate sections faster than intended.
- Fastest Route through Levels: The most optimized paths through each world are critical. This involves memorizing enemy placements, obstacle timings, and the quickest ways to reach the flagpole.
Kosmic: The Record Holder
Kosmic is a name that has become synonymous with high-level Speedrun Gaming, particularly in Nintendo titles. Their dedication and skill are evident in this latest achievement. Achieving a World Record requires not only individual talent but also a deep engagement with the speedrunning community, learning from others, and contributing to the collective knowledge base. Kosmic's success is a testament to years of dedication and refinement of their skills.The pursuit of such a record is a marathon, not a sprint. It involves hundreds, if not thousands, of practice sessions, failed attempts, and incremental improvements.You can follow Kosmic's journey and future attempts on their Twitch channel, linked in the original description, and their second channel for full VODs.
Implications for the Community
This new World Record will undoubtedly inspire a new wave of players to tackle SMB2-J. It sets a higher bar for aspiring speedrunners and encourages further exploration of the game's mechanics. We can expect to see more runs, more discussions about strategies, and potentially even new discoveries as the community rallies to chase Kosmic's time. The existence of such dedicated communities around classic games like SMB2-J highlights the enduring appeal of retro gaming and the competitive spirit within its fanbase. It's a reminder that even decades-old games can still offer incredible challenges and thrilling competition.How to Watch and Learn
For anyone interested in learning more about this speedrun or improving their own SMB2-J gameplay, watching the record-breaking run is essential. Pay close attention to:- Movement Tech: Observe how Kosmic navigates each level, focusing on precise jumps and momentum.
- Item Usage: Note when and how power-ups are used (or deliberately avoided).
- Enemy Interactions: See how enemies are dealt with or bypassed efficiently.
- Route Optimization: Analyze the paths taken through each stage to understand the fastest way to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels so difficult for speedrunning?
The Lost Levels features significantly higher difficulty compared to its predecessor, with more aggressive enemies, tricky level design, environmental hazards like wind, and poisonous mushrooms that can hinder progress. This demands extreme precision and consistent execution for a successful speedrun.
What does "All Stages" mean in the context of this speedrun?
The "All Stages" category requires the speedrunner to complete every single level of the game in the intended sequence, from the first world to the final one. This contrasts with categories that might focus on specific segments or allow for major skips.
Is this record performed on original hardware?
Yes, the record was set on original FDS hardware. While loading times are typically removed for comparison across different platforms, the use of original hardware is a detail appreciated by purists in the speedrunning community.
What is RNG in speedrunning, and how does it affect this record?
RNG stands for Random Number Generation. In games, certain elements are randomized (e.g., enemy spawns, item drops). While speedrunners strive for consistent strategies, favorable RNG can sometimes contribute to faster times by providing optimal enemy placements or useful items at the right moment. This record likely achieved its time with a combination of near-perfect strategy and beneficial RNG.
Where can I find more information about SMB2-J speedruns?
You can find extensive leaderboards, strategies, and discussions on speedrun.com. Additionally, following top speedrunners like Kosmic on platforms like Twitch and YouTube provides direct insight into their techniques and community discussions.